European Athletics and EBU Set New Guidelines to Improve Women's Athletics Broadcasts
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and European Athletics have released a 23-page guideline document titled "Raising the Bar" aimed at transforming how women's athletics competitions are televised. The guidelines urge directors and camera operators to focus on athletes' sporting achievements rather than using camera angles that may be perceived as objectifying, sexualizing, or embarrassing. The document does not call for reducing coverage or avoiding shots of athletes' bodies but emphasizes that every camera angle should enhance viewers' understanding of the athletic performance.
Specific recommendations include minimizing close-up shots from behind, avoiding low-angle shots looking upward, and reconsidering the use of slow-motion replays that do not add professional value. The guidelines cover events such as high jump, pole vault, long jump, triple jump, and running races. For example, in high jump, broadcasters are encouraged to use wide angles showing the entire sequence of the run-up, jump, and clearance instead of slow close-ups that might be awkward. In running events, the guidelines advise against tight shots from behind or low angles during starting preparations and moments of exhaustion after the race.
Glen Killian, CEO of EBU Sport, highlighted that selective camera angles sexualizing female athletes remain a significant issue in sports broadcasts, distracting from their technical skills and achievements and reinforcing harmful stereotypes. British Olympic pole vaulter Holly Bradshaw welcomed the initiative, sharing her personal experiences with inappropriate footage and online harassment stemming from such broadcasts. She also noted that camera placements can distract athletes during competition.
The document has been distributed to broadcasters covering women's athletics events. While these are recommendations rather than mandatory rules, the clear message is that camera work should support viewers' understanding of athletic performance without causing unnecessary exposure or discomfort for the competitors.
